Connecting With Communities in Vallecas, Spain
This March, The Florrie Men’s Wellbeing Group, fondly known as Walk Florrie, will embark on a ground-breaking journey to Vallecas on the outskirts of Madrid. This trip marks the group’s first international venture and promises to be a momentous occasion for cultural exchange, shared expertise, and raising awareness about men’s mental health on a global scale.
Twelve members of Walk Florrie will head to Vallecas to collaborate with a social hub similar to The Florrie, sharing their experiences and helping to establish a men’s wellbeing group in the area. This exchange aims to foster mutual understanding and provide invaluable insights into how mental health challenges transcend borders, affecting people in every community. Together, they will walk, talk, and shine a light on the universal importance of mental health support.
Highlighting Men’s Mental Health
Men’s mental health has long been a taboo subject, but initiatives like Walk Florrie are breaking down these barriers. By taking their work to Vallecas, the group aims to show that the struggles men face are not isolated to Liverpool or the UK. The trip will highlight the similarities between the challenges faced by working-class communities in Liverpool and Vallecas, fostering solidarity and shared learning.
Walk Florrie’s visit will also set the foundation for a men’s wellbeing walk in Vallecas, based on the group’s successful model. By sharing their expertise, the group will help create a sustainable support network for men in the Spanish community, ensuring the impact of their trip is long-lasting.
Building on The Florrie’s Rich Legacy
For over 135 years, The Florrie has stood as a proud symbol of community, education, and opportunity in Liverpool. Historically, The Florrie organised overseas trips that provided life-changing opportunities to explore different cultures, gain new perspectives, and develop resilience. These journeys were not just about travel but about education, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
Fast forward to today, The Florrie’s mission has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. Now a vibrant mixed-use community hub, The Florrie prioritises wellbeing activities that foster emotional support, social connection, and open dialogue. The upcoming trip to Vallecas builds on this legacy, bringing cultural exchange and personal growth to a new generation of participants while addressing pressing issues like mental health in a modern context.
Supporting The Florrie’s Future
This inspiring trip is not just about exchange and collaboration; it’s also a chance to highlight the need for ongoing support for The Florrie. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise funds for preserving The Florrie’s iconic Grade II listed Victorian building. Recent urgent repairs have uncovered additional structural issues that need addressing to keep this historic gem open for generations to come.
The funds raised will ensure The Florrie can continue to offer its vital services, activities, and support to the Liverpool community and beyond. Donations will help safeguard The Florrie’s future, allowing it to remain a beacon of hope, creativity, and opportunity.
Get Involved
Support Walk Florrie and The Florrie by donating to the GoFundMe campaign. Your generosity will help preserve this historic building and enable life-changing initiatives like this international trip to continue. Together, we can ensure The Florrie remains a cornerstone of community and wellbeing for years to come.
To donate and learn more, visit: https://gofund.me/49171b85
Follow The Florrie on social media for updates on the Walk Florrie trip to Vallecas and other exciting initiatives. Let’s walk together towards a brighter future for all.
Images of our Men’s Wellbeing Group, Walk Florrie:
